A recent letter to the editor suggested that because of a vote in the midst of the government shutdown, Congressman Dan Kildee has failed to adequately support veterans. A closer look at the vote and Congressman Kildee's record, however, demonstrates this is baseless and absurd.

What Congressman Kildee voted against was a short-term continuing resolution that cut $6 billion in funding for the Veterans Administration. Simply put, this bill was bad for veterans and that is why Congressman Kildee voted against it.

A mere glance at Congressman Kildee's record in Congress thus far shows strong support for veterans and our military. He voted to increasefunding for the Veterans Administration for Fiscal Year 2014. He has personally cosponsored a variety of legislation to help veterans and their families. And upon taking office, he traveled to Afghanistan to visit with Michigan troops on the ground.

Just this week, he spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of legislation, which he cosponsored, that would allow the Department of Defense to pay death benefits to the families of fallen service members during the shutdown.

As a Republican, I do not agree with all of Congressman Kildee's positions, but as a former Marine, I know his support for veterans and our troops is strong and unwavering.